"The whole family joins the fun!"--Picture book recommendations

Last summer, I put together a presentation recommending books  for a group of parents with gender nonconforming/trans children. I reviewed and recommended eight picture books and thought I would post about them. Picture books can be enjoyed by all ages!

In Deeper Waters--"Tal would've thought it was a fairy tale if not for the sand in his collar, the water in his boots, and the ache of his body"

Title: In Deeper Waters

Author: F.T. Lukens


LGBTQ+ Representation: Main characters are queer


Content Warning: Violence, near-drownings


What it’s about (in 75 words or fewer): Prince Tal has spent his life isolated from the rest of the kingdom in order to hide his magic, something that is seen as extremely dangerous (especially after what his grandfather did). On his coming-of-age boat trip, Tal saves Athlen, who mysteriously survives a dive off his ship. Tal can't stop thinking about Athlen: could he be the one who accepts Tal for who he is, magic and all?


What I think (in 250 words or fewer): I haven't blogged in months; I have read a lot of good books but just couldn't bring myself to write about any of them, until now. I enjoyed this story so much I thought it would be a great way to ease back into regular blogging. And I did it!

Ana on the Edge--"I don't want them to think girl, but I don't want them to think boy either"

Title: Ana on the Edge

Author: A.J. Sass


LGBTQ+ Representation: Main character is nonbinary, secondary characters are gay and transmasculine.


What it’s about (in 75 words or fewer): Twelve-year-old Ana-Marie is a junior figure skating champion. Yet she does not feel comfortable when her new skating outfit has a skirt: she doesn’t feel girly. Ana meets Hayden, a transgender boy who assumes Ana is also a boy. Ana finds comfort in a boyish identity but isn’t sure it fits how she feels either. Will living her truth ruin her skating career?


What I think (in 250 words or fewer): What sticks with me a lot about this book is how super mature and responsible Ana is, especially for a twelve-year-old. She and her mother, who has sacrificed to help Ana become a successful skater, have a great relationship. 
    

The Greatest Superpower--"If she can stand up for her truth, I can stand up for mine . . . I hope."

Title: The Greatest Superpower

Author: Alex Sanchez


LGBTQ+ Representation: The main character's father is a transwoman. Supporting characters are gay and gender-fluid.


Content Warnings: Bullying and homophobia. Inferred child abuse. A past suicide attempt is mentioned.


What it’s about (in 75 words or fewer): Jorge and his twin brother Cesar are shocked when their parents announce their divorce and are even more shocked when they find out the reason: their father has always felt like a woman and is now going to start living as a woman. Cesar vows to never speak to his father again, while Jorge struggles to accept his dad as Norma. Will Jorge's friends (and the cute new girl!) be able to accept Norma?


What I think (in 250 words or fewer): I was so excited to see a new book by Alex Sanchez that I bought this book immediately instead of shelving it (book seller perks). I am not disappointed by my purchase; the story is adorable. 

Be Dazzled--"Amazing and whole, the fragments of many moments joined together to create something entirely alive and real. Something incredible, out of nothing."

Title: Be Dazzled

Author: Ryan La Sala


LGBTQ+ Representation: two main characters are gay and lesbian and other LGBTQ+ identities are also represented


Content Warning: cruel parent


What it’s about (in 75 words or fewer): Raffy is an extremely talented cosplayer who designs and builds intricate costumes. He hopes to win a top prize in the year's biggest cosplay competition, which could lead to sponsorships that would allow him to attend art school. However, he finds out that his ex-boyfriend, Luca, is working with another of their friends and has also entered the cosplay contest. But what goes wrong with their relationship? And can Raffy and Luca work together again?

First of all: I must apologize to the world because I have not posted a review on Reverie, La Sala's amazing debut book. I attended the book club meeting where we discussed the terrifying drag queen villainess and messed-up our OWN reveries would be, but then I never wrote a review! I must fix that as soon as possible because Ryan La Sala is my favorite author to follow on Twitter. Seriously, follow him--you won't be sorry. 

Now--prepare to Be Dazzled!

Only Mostly Devastated--"Sure, he hadn't done the one thin I wanted him to do most of all--declare his love for me publicly on the bleachers in a grand musical number--but that didn't mean I had to knock the baby steps, did it?"

Title: Only Mostly Devastated

Author: Sophie Gonzales

LGBTQ+ Representation: Gay and bi characters

Content Warnings: Death of a supporting character, homophobia, obnoxious dude-bro behaviors

What it’s about (in 75 words or fewer): Ollie and Will have a summer fling, but when Ollie enrolls in Will's high school that fall, he finds out that sweet, openly-queer Will is actually a quite obnoxious, closeted basketball star. Ollie tries to keep his attention on his music, new group of friends, and babysitting his cousins (his aunt has terminal cancer), but Will keeps showing up wherever Ollie is. Are they destined to be together, or will Ollie remain only mostly devastated?


What I think (in 250 words or fewer): The premise is similar to Grease and there's a "pink ladies"-type girl group but none of the plot aspects of Grease that really bother me; thank goodness Ollie does not end the book wearing leather, quipping "Tell me about it, stud."
  

Rainbow Book List 2021 announced!

Congratulations to the authors with books on the ALA's 2021 Rainbow Book list! Unfortunately, I haven't been able to blog much this year, so my list of "books I have read but haven't blogged about" is quite long. Click here to read the reviews I have written from this year's list.

2021 Rainbow Book List

Click here to read my reviews from this year's list.